Used as a biocide and preservative in various applications. In personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and skin cleansers, it inhibits bacterial and fungal growth to extend shelf life and is often combined with other preservatives for enhanced microbial protection. In industrial water systems, including paper mills and cooling towers, it controls microbial growth, prevents slime formation, and protects materials from degradation. It is also utilized in metalworking fluids to maintain formulation integrity against contamination and in paints and coatings to prevent fungal and bacterial deterioration in high-humidity environments. Its efficacy at low concentrations allows for continuous or intermittent dosing in closed-loop systems.